Sanchez released

The Mets have released righty Duaner Sanchez, citing concerns that he wouldn’t be the reliever he was in 2006 when he was a huge part of the Mets making it to the postseason. The move saves more than $1.3 million in salary (see what other players are earning) yet begs the question of who can fill his shoes.

Since July 2006, when he was injured in a taxi accident, Sanchez has struggled to return to form. After injury setbacks and a lackluster 2008 season, Sanchez had exhibited signs of improvement this spring showing increased velocity. Mets management even went as far as to say he could be part of the solution for the lack of lefty relievers on the roster. Apparently that was not enough for the Mets to keep him.